In election seasons, Nigerians are used to effusive promises coming from politicians who have no intention of keeping them.
In almost every part of the country, especially shortly before elections, there have been outrageous promises made by those who believe everyone is vulnerable and the gutters hold no repulsion.
There have been outlandish tales – like the one about the aspiring politician in Kano State who promised his impoverished people pipelines flowing with milk.
That Nigerians are used to harvesting bountiful promises shortly before every election only to see them turn to dust immediately after elections, speaks to a country crippled by a lack of accountability and a distinctive failure of memory.
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It seems that the people who come around just before elections, promising to move heaven and earth to serve people when elected, but fail to lift a finger once elected, never really go away.
They stay in the system; recycle themselves or help bring in people like them that they recycle to continue what is often a vicious cycle.
Many Nigerians do not need to be told that the 2023 general elections will prove crucial to determining the direction the country takes going forwards.
Among the fat cats seeking political offices in Nigeria are many who are already promising to end insecurity in Nigeria and revive the economy but have absolutely no clue about these things not because they do not have access to vital information but because their hearts and even heads are elsewhere.
Nigeria has got it wrong many times in the past. 2023 provides an opportunity for redemption. If it is allowed to slip away, there is no telling what else will be lost along with it.
Kene Obiezu wrote from Abuja
